Landlords Can Check with Former Landlords on Prospective Tenants

Landlords Can Check with Former Landlords on Prospective Tenants

  Question: We just purchased a small apartment complex in Glendale. Can we demand that a prospective tenant furnish names of former landlords? If so, are we allowed to contact these former landlords to ask if the former tenant was a good tenant, e.g., paid rent on time or damaged the apartment?

  Answer: Yes, but only if you have the same procedure for all prospective tenants, and don’t unlawfully discriminate against a protected class under fair housing laws. As a new owner of an apartment complex, you should consider joining the Arizona Multihousing Association (Azmultihousing.org) for helpful information.